Gates picks new Navy operations chief

Robert Gates, Secretary of Defense

Retiring Secretary of Defense Robert Gates recommended President Barack Obama nominate Navy Adm. Jonathan Greenert as the next chief of naval operations (CNO).

Greenert, a 1975 graduate from the Naval Academy in Annapolis, currently serves as vice CNO. He would succeed the retiring Navy Adm. Gary Roughead if nominated and confirmed by the Senate.

Greenert is considered knowledgeable in Navy financial management.

"He has wonderful operational experience, fleet experience, he's terrific with people and he has extensive experience in the money world, which is now facing all of us," said Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Greenert served as commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet in the Pacific and as commander of the Navy's Fleet Forces Command.

He also commanded Submarine Squadron 11 and USS Honolulu, in addition to assignments on the USS Flying Fish, the USS Tautog and the USS Michigan.

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